A 53-year-old man on Tuesday was placed on probation for 10 years in connection with the shooting death of his girlfriend more than four years ago at a south Lubbock home.
Jason Mercado, who has been out on bond since July 2, 2020, appeared with his attorney, Fred Stangl, in the 140th District Court and pleaded guilty to a lesser-included count of manslaughter, which carries a punishment of two to 29 years in prison.
He was initially charged with murder, which carries a punishment of five years to life in prison.
Mercado accepted the plea deal offered by the Lubbock County District Attorney’s Office and entered his plea ahead of an Oct. 7 trial.
He admitted to the March 12, 2020, shooting death of 29-year-old Kayla Quintero at their home.
He faces up to 10 years in prison if his probation is revoked.
Investigating a deadly shooting in south Lubbock
His charge stems from a Lubbock Metropolitan Special Crimes unit investigation, which began after Lubbock police officers and EMS responding to a 10:40 p.m. shots fired call at a home in the 700 block of 79th Street found Quintero unresponsive.